Centre for Technological Futures

Building on a rich tradition of studying the relationship between technological futures, management practices and organisational dynamics.

About this Centre

We're one of the largest groups of our kind in the UK, home to over many internationally recognised academics from departments from across Lancaster University. Together, we have a strong social science foundation - members of the Centre draw upon a variety of perspectives to bring their expertise into our research themes.

Our Aims

We're one of the largest groups of our kind in the UK, home to many internationally recognised academics from departments from across Lancaster University. Together, we have a strong social science foundation and members of the Centre bring a variety of perspectives together to focus on interdisciplinary research in technologically mediated futures; designing and managing futures through technologies; and organising technological futures at work.

Our Research Themes

Our innovative research is located at the intersection between studies in several areas including management, information systems, futures, science and technology, organisation, and workplace. Our research is interdisciplinary, and conducted across the world in a diverse range of domains including public sector, healthcare, engineering and many more.

Ethics and politics of future technology

Digital technologies have been transforming workplaces and increasing economic productivity for the last 25 years. Could overuse on information technology now be sapping your managers’ and employees’ - and your organisation’s - health and well-being? Professor Monideepa Tarafdar and her co-researchers have carried out a series of studies over the past seven years to explore this theory.

Technology and the future of work

Traditionally, drug use has been seen as a problem for employment – something which needs to be managed and eliminated through workplace testing, counselling or disciplinary measures. More recently, however, there has been growing interest in the potential of particular pharmaceutical products to increase productivity, positively affect motivation or commitment, and even improve safety. Dr Karen Dale and Professor Brian Bloomfield discuss their research into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the workplace.

Digital Society and technological mobilities

While more and more public services are made available online only, older persons’ needs and wishes towards digital services are rarely understood and taken in account. This deficit is often exacerbated by their lower digital skills and poor access to the internet. This pioneering research aims to explore the inclusion of senior citizens in digital public services through the development of user-friendly mobile applications as part of the Mobile Age Project.

PhD Programmes

We're home to a vibrant doctoral community where our PhD students are encourage to take advantage of the School's research strengths to develop core skills. We welcome PhD applicants with a good first degree or Masters in areas such as management, philosophy or the social sciences - industrial experience is also an advantage. For more information, please contact Teresa Aldren.

Latest Updates

Discover the latest updates from this Centre including our latest research papers, news, events and blogs.